MUDZI — Relatives of slain MDC-T Cephas Magura have threatened to pursue traditional means to avenge the murder of their family member who was allegedly stoned to death by suspected Zanu PF supporters at Chimukoko business centre on May 26.
Magura (67) was allegedly murdered in cold blood following a disruption of an MDC-T rally at Chimukoko business centre in Mudzi North in Mashonaland East province.
The incident allegedly happened in full view of police officers from Kotwa Police Station.
Seven Zanu PF suspects, among them a ward councillor, have been arrested in connection with the murder.
They appeared at Mutoko Magistrates’ Court on Friday and were remanded in custody to June 15.
They are Zanu-PF councillor David Chimukoko (45), Graciano Kazingizi (33), Biggie Office (30), Raphael Bobo (31), Perkins Karikoga (27), Phillip Katsande (59) and Eric Chatiza (44).
In his graveside speech at Botsa village yesterday, Magura’s brother George Gachidza said they would soon conduct traditional rites to avenge his death. At the time of his death, Magura was an MDC-T ward chairperson.
“We will not demand any material compensation in the form of beasts or anything like that, but pursue the traditional route to ensure he fights back those responsible for his murder,” said Gachidza.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
Another family member who declined to be named said: “We appeal to your spirit to fight back and expose your killers. We have been pained and won’t let the case ‘die’ without putting a fight through traditional means.
Magura is survived by his wife, Mabel, six children and several grandchildren.
MDC-T leader Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai attended the burial and denounced the persecution of his supporters but vowed to fight on until his party unseats President Robert Mugabe.
Piniel Denga, MDC-T spokesperson for Mashonaland East, told SW Radio Africa that the perpetrators were known in the area.
“Most of the perpetrators of the violence are in Zanu PF structures in the area and are known to our supporters,” Denga said.
